Reloading Shotguns

Shotguns rounds differ from handgun and rifle rounds in three main ways.

The first is that they are mostly plastic. Some are actually paper, but they can’t be reloaded. More accurately, they shouldn’t be. Shotgun casings are also commonly referred to as Hulls, and can come in a number of colors. Most 12 gauge hulls are red. Most 20 gauge are yellow, and most 10 gauge are black. 16 and 28 gauge are rare enough now that I can’t recall which is purple, and have no idea what the other one is.

Shotguns

Shotguns

Shotguns have an aura about them that makes them unique among weapons.  Maybe it’s the size of the shell, or maybe it’s the amount of damage they seem to do, whatever it is, it’s very often over-rated.

Shotguns come in sizes that range from .410 bore to 10 gauge.

A 410 bore is actually a hole 0.41 inches in diameter, the same as a .41 magnum or 10mm pistol, and slightly smaller than a .44 magnum.  It’s the only size that doesn’t follow the standard convention explained below.

Peeves and Common Errors

This is a list of things that I’ve seen in print, television, and film that are just wrong.  If you plan on giving any character you want to appear competent, good or bad, a firearm, make sure they don’t do anything on this list.